Dreams, ideas, visions. Entrepreneurs Stefan Lange (Fat Mama), Jonas Merian (Jonasdesign) and Frank Rasche (Element Fresh) speak about their business future in China. A market that is constantly changing. Jonas hopes that Chinese will develop a taste for his furniture too, while Frank implements a long-harbored wish. And Stefan? Stefan finetunes a new concept without plates and highlights the risk of all-too-unusual ideas.

China Inc. 2.4 (HD)

The rules are completely different

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All beginnings are difficult, this is especially the case for young entrepreneurs in China. Stefan Lange (Fat Mama) and Frank Rasche (Element Fresh) answer questions about start-up difficulties and challenges when launching their operations.

Video: Pyongyang Expat

14 months as a foreigner in North Korea (Trailer)

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Hardly internet, restricted food selection and general distrust. As upcycling artist Jonas Merian mentioned before, he lived and worked in North Korea for 14 months. This 20-minutes short documentary covers expat life in North Korea according to Jonas' personal experience and is premiered in the Korea International Expat Film Festival in Seoul.

China Inc. 2.3 (HD)

Service is a completely different story

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Next to the advantages hailed in the last episode, Chinese business life also harbors plenty of disadvantages. Be it the steep learning curve when studying the language, the perpetual necessity to muddle through something or the 'slightly different service approach' of staff and customers. Jonas Merian (Jonas Design), Stefan Lange (Fat Mama) und Frank Rasche (Element Fresh) don't beat around the bush.

China AG 2.2 (HD)

I can simply improvise

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Affordable studio rent in the outskirts, curious guests and lasagne with Wuxi pork instead of Angus beef. In this episode of the series "China AG II" our China-Entrepreneurs Frank Rasche (Element Fresh), Stefan Lange (Fat Mama) and Jonas Merian (Jonas Design) explain why they are here after all. What are the biggest advantages of business life in China? Spoiler: There is plenty of disadvantages too. More about that in the next episode.

China AG 2.1 (HD)

Pizza Trucks, Pyongyang and raw Capsicum

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Three entrepreneurs, three visions: Frank Rasche leads the most popular restaurant chain for healthy food in Shanghai: Who would have thought it is owned by a German? Upcycling artist Jonas Merian came to Shanghai via Pyongyang and Beijing. In his suburbian studio disposed wood is being crafted into something miraculous. Already two times Stefan Langes bistro Fat Mama had to move in Shanghai. He tells about how to make Chinese customers happy while maintaining authenticity.

China AG #12 (HD)

Staff, training and persuasion efforts

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Applicants with attitudes like: "Why three years of training when I can just start working and earn money right away." But also: Flexible workers who tirelessly put their hours into and identify with the business. Rainer Ganser, meanwhile heading 25 bakery staff, talks about necessary persuasion and the adventure of finding qualified employees in China.

Video: China AG #11

You cannot protect yourself

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Stefan Gross is under pressure as he realizes his business is being copied in Hong Kong. But is it at all possible to protect oneself? In this episode the wine importer together with goldsmith Julia Oduro-Boadi and bakery entrepreneur Rainer Ganser talk about the importance of authenticity and the risk of plagiarization.

Video: China AG #10

When you think it's over...

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Revenue downturn, client exodus, red figures. What to do, when business is not running so well? Rainer Ganser (Shenzhen), Julia Oduro-Boadi (Shanghai) and Stefan Gross (Hong Kong) know what kind of qualities an entrepreneur in China needs to have.

Video: China AG #9

Dirndl, Shock and Half Chinese

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What to do when the boss gets really angry? What does wine have in common with folk fashion? And above all: 'What is that tall woman doing in our store?' Stefan Gross (Hong Kong), Julia Oduro-Boadi (Shanghai) and Rainer Ganser (Shenzhen) describe scenes from the quotidian business comedy in China.